On My Own

  One would think after years of being on my own for days/weeks at a time that I would be a pro.  I probably should be....but sadly I must recognize that I still have much to improve upon.  Eric is gone hunting for a few days, this should not be a big deal, it is a much shorter trip than last month.  I have handled many longer periods of time over the past decade of med school and residency, but those were mandatory.....I think that is the difference.  This is a voluntary leave of absence.  Over the past two years hunting and fishing have become a real source of relaxation and a down time needed by Eric.  I am not too thrilled about the shooting/killing aspect of hunting (we'll save that for another entry) but more than that it is the time required to do either of these.  It is rare that these can be done in under a couple of hours. Often it is 5 plus hours up to 6 or 7 days. Because of this I find myself tense up when either are brought up.  On the one hand I want to be a supportive wife, on the other I want him home with us.
   I am really trying to encourage some hobbies that could be done locally and that have a nice and neat time frame I can rely upon.  Any ideas out there? He is now serving in the Young Men's program so Tuesday evenings are spent with them, another night is bball and then of course his on-call day(s) during the week. Ok, so there are not many nights left for new hobbies....hum.
   I completely understand he needs a break.  He is such a hard worker; not only with his job but here at home with all of the renovations.  It really is not so much that I want to get away too as it is the family time I would want more of.  I am hoping that when these busy reno months come to an end we will be able to relax more and enjoy our home and new community without always having a list of things that need to be done.  Then maybe the time we do have together will feel more fulfilling for all of us and these little outings won't be as big of a deal.

We are expecting #5

  I am 5 months along in this pregnancy...I know, a little late to be announcing it, but life has been crazy.  My nausea was more mild than with the others. It has followed more after the boys than the girl's pregnancies.  The nausea gave up and quit a few weeks ago which I am so happy for.
  Two days ago we headed into Lethbridge for the ultrasound. I was so glad Eric could be with me this time.  Everything looked good.  It was very reassuring to me to see the heart, brain, legs etc.  I have felt more anxiety this pregnancy....mainly because I am getting older and worry about the health of the baby.  Today the doctor said the ultrasound results looked great and that we are having a Boy.  
We are excited. Some of the kids more than others, but we have time for Madeleine to adjust.  
Tonight she said, 
"We could still pray that God could change him into a girl." 
We tried to explain that it was a little to late now for any changes to be taking place. I don't think she was at all convinced.  I would be interested to know what her personal prayer sounded like tonight.
The boys are so happy and of course Olivia doesn't care one way or the other. She loves all babies.
  We feel so blessed to be having another and can't wait to get to know him...though finding a name is going to be such a challenge. Girl names are so much easier (for us anyway).

Renovations continue

This is the beginning of the yard reno back in June/July

Renovations started way back in February.... and here we are in October still renovating!!!

 I realize now that I have not taken a more current photo of the backyard. The hoop is in and the garden produced lots of wonderful vegetables and the sod took well. All and all a success.

 The posts are where there will be an outdoor patio and pergola. This will be done next spring.

 Our current reno is the living room and new room built-ins.  We've waited a while to have these done and are excited about it....though we could do without the inch of dust all over everything. It feels so dirty and chaotic in our house right now. Who ever thought I'd get upset at the kids for removing their shoes in the house....

 First weekend in October we had the concrete poured on the side of the house and down the driveway. I am so happy to be rid of the dirt and mess that was there prior to the pour. Eric now has the fence up and if only we could get the other two gates up we could really keep track of Olivia.

This is the front lawn. Next year we will do more with the border plants.

Justin turns 7

 Justin turned 7 a few weeks ago.  On the odd years we have family birthdays and on the even they can have a friend birthday.  Eric was gone, hunting, and it felt a bit too quiet....so we invited over our neighbors (Lucy and Eve) to share in the opening of presents.  Justin had been asking for a rip stick for months and we were so happy we finally found one the day of his birthday.  He is also a Lego fan, and asked for some Ninjago ninja Lego and got his first set.  I really love Lego and support his Lego habit of building most mornings in the basement until the rest of the house wakes up. He is always so excited to share his inventions.

  When Eric got home a few days later we headed out to the miniature golf course and then to dinner and dessert.  It is nice to have things low-key every so often.